MP4 file format description
Many people share MP4 files but don't explain how to use them. This can make it hard to know which software can open, change, or print these files. We made this page to help you understand how to work with MP4 files. Here, you'll find info on software that works with these files. This includes simple programs for opening and converting them. We also share simple steps for editing these files and changing them into different formats. Whether you need to open, edit, or change a MP4 file, our website has all the tips and tools you'll need to do it easily.
2 filename extension(s) found in our database:
MP4 - Mpeg-4 Video Container
The MP4 file is categorized under Video. It is associated to Windows Media Player, serving as an Mpeg-4 Video Container. It is the global file extension for the official container format defined in the MPEG-4 standard. This format allows you to combine different multimedia streams (most of the time audio and video) into one single file. Visit the website of Windows Media Player for a detailed description of the MP4 format.
| Application: | Windows Media Player |
|---|---|
| Category: | Video files |
| Mime-type: | video/mp4 |
| Magic: | - / - |
| Aliases: | mp4s, mp4v, mpeg-4, mpeg4, mpg4, mpv4, mv4 |
Mpeg-4 Video Container related extensions:
- psv Pluralsight Encrypted Video
- movie SGI Movie
- amc AMC Video
- qvt Quantum Streaming Video Stream Url Data
M4A - Mpeg-4 Audio
The M4A audio files are related to Windows Media Player. The M4A file is a MPEG-4 audio stream (MP4). MP4 is a better audio compression technology than old MP3.
| Application: | Windows Media Player |
|---|---|
| Category: | Audio files |
| Mime-type: | audio/x-m4a |
| Magic: | - / - |
| Aliases: | mp4, mp4a |
Mpeg-4 Audio related extensions:
Did someone accidentally misspell the MP4 filename?
The MP4 filename extension may be misspelled. We compiled a list of similar file extensions to help you find errors.
Filename extensions similar to MP4:
- mpt Microsoft Project Template
- m4p DRM Protected AAC File
- np4 NetPoint 4 Schedule Data
- ml4 Milestones v4 Project
- p4 Perforce P4 Data
- mo4 SIENA Values and Names Data
Windows can't open your MP4 file?
When you try to open a file by double-clicking it, Windows looks at the file's name to figure out what to do. If Windows doesn't know the file type, it'll ask you to choose an app to open this MP4 file.
To set the MP4 file association in Windows 11, you can follow these steps
- Open the Settings app by clicking on the Start menu and selecting the gear icon.
- In the Settings app, click on System and then select Apps from the left-hand side menu.
- Scroll down and click on the Default apps option.
- In the Default apps section, you will find various categories. They include Email, Web browser, and Music player.
- Locate the category that matches the file type you want to associate. For example, choose Photos for image files, or Video player for video files.
- Click on the current default app listed under the category. A list of available apps will appear.
- Choose the app you want to set as the default for that file type. If the app you want is not listed, click on More apps to see more options. Or, click on Look for an app in the Microsoft Store to search for apps.
- After selecting the app, it will become the default choice for opening files of that type.
It's worth mentioning that you don't always need to set MP4 file association. Many apps can open files. They don't need a specific file association to be set.
Handle MP4 files with care
Exercise caution when handling MP4 files from unknown sources. Files from certain sources can threaten your computer's security. They might contain malware, viruses, or harmful software. To minimize risks, avoid downloading or opening unfamiliar MP4 files. Use trusted antivirus software to scan files from unknown sources before opening.
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